Last night I received an incredible honor!! As a Circuit Court Judge, I have the privilege of being able to swear into office other elected officials. I myself was sworn in into office in December of last year. Being a judge for such a brief period of time, I had not participated in the swearing in of an official before. Two days ago, I became aware that the School Board for Harvey Public Schools, District 152 was having a board meeting and that three newly and re-elected members would be sworn into office. I sprung into action. I made some phone calls and eventually spoke with an outgoing member. I was almost immediately invited to do the swearing in.
Here is why that is even more special. I am an alumni of Harvey Public Schools District 152. I went to Riley Elementary School (now known as Riley Early Childhood Learning Center) from 1977 to 1981. I still have my honor roll certificates to prove it. Feeling pretty good about getting this opportunity I called my father (James Brooks) to let him know. Little did I know he had been in touch with an administrator of the school who had located one of my former teachers from Riley, Mrs. Skala. Mrs. Skala appeared at the board meeting and watched the proceedings. It was surreal to be back in elementary school, in the same halls where I learned in the same place I used to play during recess, and where I would get disciplined for being the class clown for such an auspicious occasion.
My very first swearing in ceremony was performed in the elementary school where it all began for me with one of my teachers looking on. My wife (Jai Brooks Fnp), young son, and my granddaughter were also with me. It was strange walking the halls with my son showing him the school I went to when I was his age. I was made to feel “at home” by all in attendance. They fed me and we had great conversation about the school and our school children general. I was even invited to do ceremonies for other local school board officials.
I am ever grateful to Board President Janet Rogers for allowing me to participate and even address the floor. I would like to congratulate President Rogers on her reelection and newly elected members Joseph Whittington Jr and Sandra Contreras. I also want to thank the other two judges who appeared with me and held my hand through the process: Carl Boyd and D. Renee Jackson.
One final word, we spend so much time lamenting over the state of our public schools, but we don’t spend enough time actually doing something about it. I am a product of the City of Harvey and its public schools. My life and career can stand as proof that our children CAN learn and excel and are worth just as much as children born into or living in other communities.